This flash piece is partly inspired by this week’s prompt over at Carrot Ranch: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that shows true grit. The background of the story follows the story. Enjoy! Finish Line I round the second curve for the eighth time. The first to finish crosses the line,…
Lost I settle onto the flat boulder overlooking the valley. The verdant field and trees welcome the rare visitor, promising a breath of nature and a taste of old-world charm. A world that existed before technology ruled. The afternoon sun bathes it in warm light. “Daddy, what are you looking at?” Twisting around, I wave…
Sweet Jam I settle into my seat in front of the stage. In a moment, the performer will take his place, having promised an evening of musical magic. His exact words were, “I’ve been working on a sweet jam.” How could I pass that up? He steps onto the stage to uproarious applause. Propping himself…
Dust I sit on the porch, watching your dust settle. It was all a lie. A performance. Years of attention and validation that you required of me blow away, meaningless as the dust your truck tires kicked up. A little pushback, and I’m dead to you. You taught me a lesson. I’ve now eaten from the…
This week’s flash fiction challenge over at Carrot Ranch is a bit different: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story using your choice of microhistory from Keweenaw National Historic Park. Be historical, funny, or flagrantly fictional. Choose a character, time, place, or event. There are a LOT of stories on that site,…
I’m taking a break from book writing/editing to bring you my contribution to this week’s flash fiction challenge over at Carrot Ranch: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story using the phrase “beggars can’t be choosers.” I hope my story will surprise you. The Chosen I skulk on the edge of the…
Before I get to my response to this week’s flash fiction challenge over at Carrot Ranch, I want to share one of my favorite Twitter accounts/blogs with you. Abandoned America (blog here, Twitter here) is a collection of photographs by Matthew Christopher, who explores a wide variety of abandoned structures, including schools, hospitals, prisons, homes,…
